YouTube Launches Paid Subscription Channels

Rumors of YouTube adopting a paid subscription model have been circulating for years, and now, Google has made it official. Starting today, the video service is launching a small group of paid channels from select content partners, with monthly fees starting at $0.99. The list of 53 channels included in the pilot program include Laugh Factory VIP, JIm Henson Family TV, National Geographic Kids, ScreamPix, UFC Select, and more.

But Google isn't expecting users to jump in blindly. Every paid channel is required to offer a 14-day free trial and some include discounted annual rates. In the weeks to come, Google will allow additional channels to adopt the paid subscription model, although content makers will have to meet a set of prerequisites.

This is the latest in Google's ongoing efforts to bring premium video content to YouTube. The company has bulked up its investment in high-quality video partners, having already offered millions to a wide array of content makers to boost production values and even as going as far to build a professional-grade production studio in Los Angeles for select partners to use.

How do you feel about the idea of paid YouTube content? Sound off in the comments below.